Defense Minister Israel Katz vows strict oversight of IDF appointments and operations, rebuking critics and warning against attempts to bypass established procedures.
In a pointed statement marking a decisive shift in Israel’s defense governance, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Wednesday that after the failures exposed on October 7, “there is no longer an army that is not under supervision.”
Katz, emphasizing his exclusive accountability to Israeli citizens, outlined a new era of tight oversight — both in the operational use of force and in the military’s internal leadership structure.
“I will continue to closely accompany and guide the IDF and the defense establishment… with the clear offensive policy which I lead, and in force building, including tight oversight of appointments,” he said.
Under Israeli law, Katz noted, the defense minister approves all appointments from Lieutenant Colonel and above, while the Chief of Staff acts only as a recommender. Katz has now formalized a procedure for early consultation between the two offices to ensure decisions are made “in an orderly manner” and “based solely on professional and factual judgment.”
In a veiled warning to those seeking to change the process, Katz condemned “attempts to establish facts on the ground through ad hoc meetings,” calling such efforts harmful to officers — “heroes who have dedicated themselves to Israel’s security.”
Pushing back at critics — including former senior defense officials — Katz struck a combative tone:
“Some modesty would not hurt. Read the investigations… about flawed decisions concerning force building, arrogance, blindness, condescension, lack of oversight, and the enormity of the failure that occurred during your tenure. Read, and lower your gaze.”
Katz pledged to continue offering strong backing to the IDF when needed, but also to demand change where necessary: “This is my role as Defense Minister, and this is what I have done in all my previous roles.”
The statement underscores a deepening civil-military power struggle in Israel’s post-October 7 reality — and Katz’s determination to keep the military firmly under ministerial control.
